Mid-sized tactical blade...

Flood

Flood

Joined
Jul 31, 2000
Messages
274
Hello Spydie fans. Since I hold you in such high respect, I wanted to ask your opinion about a purchase I'm considering making soon.

So far I have purchased a Dyad Jr. to meet the small-knife-yet-very-functional category. Also purchased the Calypso Jr. Lightweight for the small-mid-sized-great cutting-tool category. I'm planning to purchase in the long run a Starmate to meet...you guessed it...the large-tactical folder category.

I'm currently considering getting a TACTICAL mid-sized folder. Something in the neighborhood of a 3"-3 1/2" blade, yet when opened its total length adds up from 7"-7 5/8" tops. I haven't seen any knives from Spyderco that interest me in this category. HOWEVER, after combing for weeks in through this and other forums within Bladeforums.com, I have heard very positive things said about the small CRKT Crawford/Kasper folder(CRKT KFF).

Positive: perfect size I'm looking for (3" blade, which puts it in the safe side legal-wise, and 7 1/4" length), designed for tactical use, inexpensive, extra safety locking mechanism (LAWKS system). Negatives: Aus-6 steel (however, I don't anticipate putting it through heavy use).

Since I really value your opinions so much, I was wondering what your opinions are on this choice. Doesn't matter whether you own it or not, as long as you recognize the knife in detail, but if you DO own it, tell me your opinion in detail. I would also like to hear from "knife-defense instructors"(sorry if this description poorly reflects on your art), like BRAM who I'm aware is a big proponent of 3" blades or less and designed the Gunting for this specific purpose.

Thanks in advance!

-Flood

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-It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
 
No, the Tim Wegner Jr. doesn't fit this category of 3"-3 1/2" blade and 7"-7 5/8" length. Its blade length is 2 7/8" (same as Calypso Jr., which I will soon have) and overall length is 6 3/4" (also same as Calypso Jr.). And although many argue that it would make a decent small tactical knife, it's not exactly what I'm looking for.

You could make a case for the Native, which I figure I will eventually get. It has the right measurements that i'm looking for, but I sincerely believe that its handle and blade shape are not really as suitable for tactical purposes. It seems like it's designed for utility putposes instead, in contrast with the CRKT KFF, which makes no bones about being designed for tactical purposes.

Thanks for the reply, please keep 'em coming!
 
Flood,

Go ahead and buy a Native.
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BTW, if you take a GOOD look at the shape, thickness, and width of the blade on the Native, I think that you will see that it DOES have a "tactical" design.

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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ# 53675663



[This message has been edited by glockman99 (edited 08-18-2000).]
 
Hello Flood! Welcome to the forum! I think the Native is a good choice. I felt the SS Native II which really ROCKS!
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Speak about tactical, I'll go for the military jr if its out!
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Sam

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have spydies
will travel...
 
How about a mini-AFCK? I just measured mine, and depending on your measuring technique, it's 3" of actual cutting edge and about 3 1/2" from the pivot. Open length is 7 5/8". Plus, it has the Spydie-type thumb hole and rides nice and low due to the clip placement.

gm
 
Three words Gunting, Chinook and Temperance Jr. These are the most seriously tactical knives being produced by any company, and one of them should fill the bill.

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Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.
 
Originally posted by Clay Kesting:
Three words Gunting, Chinook and Temperance Jr. These are the most seriously tactical knives being produced by any company, and one of them should fill the bill.
Click to expand...

...Unless of course, you want to buy a knife anytime soon! I think you mean they're the most seriously tactical knives that are GOING TO BE produced.
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The only Spyder I can think of within your dimensions is the Native. I think you're going to have a problem because you're looking at such a close blade/handle ratio.

The best knife I know of in this regard is the Benchmade Stryker, and with a 3 1/2" (a hair longer if you measure the portion of the choil that sweeps under the shoulder) blade, you've got an OAL of 8 1/4".

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AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."
 
I haven't cut anything with the CRKT KFF's either large or small, but I did purchase and do carry the large version. HOWEVER... I found the smaller size to be much better feeling in my grip. I would have bought one, but I just don't need another folder that size.

Like you, the only thing I know about it's cutting ability is what I've read from the forum members who've tried them and it all seems favorable. If you don't see a Spyderco you like, but I wold advise you to look really hard, then go for the smaller CRKT.

Although I like my CRKT, it's a stop gap to a Sifu which will become a part of my carry "team", a Civilian, a Military and the Sifu.

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All you need is love... a sharp blade and a full clip
 
Posted by Brian Turner
..Unless of course, you want to buy a knife anytime soon! I think you mean they're the most seriously tactical knives that are GOING TO BE produced.
Click to expand...
Posted by Bram
SPYDERCO is being the coolest and is really working their collective butts off to get the GUNTING out on time and to my first events in September..
Click to expand...
Posted by Sal
Chinooks are already on the shelf and should be shipping within a week. Temperance Jr. is scheduled for early next year. Sooner if possible.
Click to expand...
Doesn't seem like too long a wait to me, but then I've been waiting for the Chinese Folder for more than 2 years
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Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.
 
Mr. Blonde - Thanx for the reference. I'd not seen that before. Fred does a good job, and he does know his blades. He's working on a FB for Spyderco.

Flood - We have 3 models in the "works" that would work. (In addition to the Gunting). The Temperance Jr (3") is going on the production schedule. We're working on a Military Jr (3.25"), and we have another new design in that range (3.5"). All of the models have Compression Locks with Spyderco's MBC rating.

If your needs are immediate, and we have nothing that appeals, I would suggest you remember; "reliability, strength and performance are more important in "tactical", than cool or price.

sal
 
Wow, I thought the Military Jr. was a rumour or "wish item" at best. And with compression lock! Well, besides getting the Native anyway, I guess Sal has already made the decision for me...plus I have to admit I always had my eye on the Temperance(too bad we have to wait 'till early next year for that one). But, of course, I'd rather wait anxiously for work done right.

I guess, like many of you have stated, Spyderco is going to be responsible for my eventual bankruptcy! However, unlike many of you, I am not yet married, so at least I don't have to explain the dissapearance of income to a wife!
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Thanks a bunch, Sal, and everybody else that has contributed to this thread.

-Flood
 
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